Re: Sony Laptops

Sony.. Sony Sony.. what is my opinion of Sony's...

Been my experience they have WAY too much 'factory junk' loaded on them.. so much so, it's performance degrading. But, with a 'clean' slate.. I suppose they wouldn't be too bad... There really is no "Good" Standard for notebooks, its just a matter of preference. [img]/S/grin.gif[/img]

That's not a bad piece of equipment at all.. <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.ita.sel.sony.com/support/pc/specs/pdf/notebook/pcgfx120.pdf>specs</A>look nice, one thing I notice about, (and wonder about) sony Viao notebooks is thier innovative gidgets and gadgets, does that one have the little retractable door for the modem connection? [img]/S/smile.gif[/img]

Re: Sony Laptops

I don't know what you're looking for exactly, but my company buys a ton of IBM Thinkpads, and we just love them! Even the units that are 3 years old (and more) are running beautifully, with only the odd repair required.

We did have one model that required a service call as the Engineers at IBM forgot to ask for tape to hold the video signal cable in place [img]/S/shrug.gif[/img] ... but no other problems to really speak of.

Re: Sony Laptops

Hi Dave:
Acer is a second tier manufacturer and generally puts together components for a price point, so not the best.

I currently use a Toshiba 2590CDS (Cel400,64MB,6GB). Bought it about 2 years ago, and zero problems with almost continuous use. When I bought it I determined what I wanted and then went shopping for the best buy of the candidates. This one was on a marketting special so I bought it.

If I was looking for an new notebook today, I would look for the following specs:

1)Win 2000 compliant. If it is not compliant now, it never will be. Easiest way to check is to see if W2K can be ordered with the system. W2K compliance will almost guarantee Win XP compliance.
2)128MB with simple upgrade to 256MB/512MB.
3)20MB+ hard drive. Removable if possible.
4)Integrated 10/100TX ethernet.
5)Integrated V.90 modem software upgradable to V.92
6)14" XVGA active matrix screen. The 15" screens are nice but they are just to big. Don't fit in my case.
7)8MB 2X AGP or better video
8)Integrated WAV sound with external volume control
9)PIII 700+
10)Integrated DVD, 3.5" floppy
11)High performance standard battery
12)External Keyboard, Mouse, Monitor, Serial, USB, and Parallel ports
13)Reliable manufacturer with good track record and good warranty policies.

My specs may look high end, but I live on my notebook and always buy as much as I can afford. I upgrade notebooks about every 3-4 years.

My specs do not include super light weight. The only way I can meet my "desktop replacement" specs would be with a docking station.

Re: Sony Laptops

Thanks one and all. I have changed my thoughts to what Ian has suggested. I am NOT in a hurry and am just thinking about this investment. Will take my time and find something that will do what I want.
Again thanks,